(T4) The Cal State LA Master of Science Degree in Materials Science and Engineering (MS-MS&E)
The MS Program in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is designed to be an interdisciplinary program providing a rigorous education in the fundamentals of both Materials Science and Materials Engineering. The curriculum includes a core of materials science courses covering the structure, properties, processing, and performance of materials. The core is supplemented by electives in materials chemistry, solid state physics, biomaterials, and engineering materials. The catalog description of the program as follows:
The program prepares graduate students for industrial positions in related fields and for PhD programs at other universities. Through the program, the students learn application of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and engineering to solve materials science related problems. The program emphasis is on fundamentals of materials science to enable students to practice as engineers and scientists to build a better tomorrow through innovations in materials science and engineering.
The program is comprised of 31 semester units of which 16 units are common core and 15 units are electives. All MS in MSE students must complete the following 16 core courses:
- Graduate Seminar ENGR 4970 Seminar in Interdisciplinary STEM Research (1 unit) Prerequisite Senior undergraduate or graduate standing
- MSE/ME 4141, Engineering of Materials (3 units) Prerequisite MATH 2150
- MSE/CHEM/PHYS 4142, Chemistry and Physics of Materials (3 units) Prerequisite MATH 2150
- MSE/ME5140, Mechanical Behavior of Materials (3 units) Prerequisite ME 4141
- MSE/CHEM 5510, Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Materials (3 units) Prerequisite CHEM/PHYS 4142
- MSE/PHYS 5330, Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Materials (3 units) Prerequisite CHEM/PHYS 4142
Electives must include at least 6 units of 5000-level courses.
- CHEM 4410 Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics (4)
- CHEM 4420 Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics (3)
- CHEM 4430 Quantum Chemical Methods (1)
- CHEM 5040 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3)
- MSE/ME 4020 Advanced Mechanics of Materials (3)
- ME 4140 Machine Design II (3)
- MSE/ME 4300 Selection and Properties of Materials (3)
- ME 4310 Material Laboratory (1)
- MSE/ME 4510 Biomaterials (3)
- MSE/ME 5130 Advanced Structure of Materials (3)
- ME 5300 Near Net Shape Forming (3)
- PHYS 4200 Computational Physics (3)
- PHYS 4251 - Introduction to Theoretical Physics
- PHYS 4261 Electricity and Magnetism (2)
- PHYS 4280 Statistical Thermodynamics (3)
- PHYS 4321 Introductory Quantum Mechanics I (3)
- PHYS 4330 Solid State Physics (3)
- PHYS 4700 Advanced Physics Laboratory (3)
- PHYS 5101 Mathematical Methods of Physics (3)
- PHYS 5731 Theory of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and its Applications to Materials Physics (3)
- PHYS 5732 Practical Implementation of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Applications to Materials Physics (1)
Students may also elect up to 6 units of Supervisory Courses in consultation with their advisors:
- Comprehensive Examination, ME 5960 (0)
- Graduate Research ME 5970 (1 to 3)
- Graduate Directed Study ME 5980 (1 to 3)
- Thesis ME 5990 (3)
Students have the option of choosing either the comprehensive examination or thesis option for their culminating experience. Advancement to candidacy is required of all students to be eligible to register for the culminating experience supervisory courses Thesis Option ME 5990 and Comprehensive Examination ME 5960. Advancement to candidacy requirements are as follows:
- Completion of all required courses (6 courses) with a grade of B or better within a maximum of 5 years from the date of articulation in the MSE program.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Completion of Graduate Writing Proficiency requirement.
- Completion of a minimum of 15 units in residence at Cal State LA.
Upon advancement to candidacy, students may formally apply for the culminating experience by filling out the designated form. Approval of the advisor and the Program Director will be required on the form.